UNCANNY VALLEY: SAUVAGE, 21min., USA
Directed by Anthony A DiMaria
Uncanny Valley is a series focusing on the culinary scene in Phoenix, Arizona. Sauvage is the second episode in the series, introducing the audience to owner and natural wine connoisseur, Chris Lingua. Learn about natural wine - what it is and how it is made - and discover the challenges and inspiration behind Chris' journey of bringing natural wine to the city of Phoenix through creating the only all natural wine bar in the state: Sauvage.

https://instagram.com/uncannyvalleyseries

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

Chris Lingua’s story captivated me from the moment I heard it. An entrepreneur, a connoisseur, and an artist in his craft, Chris’ story is a unique look at the world of wine and one I felt needed to be told. Additionally, having lived in Phoenix for nearly a decade, it is important to me to shine a light on the wonderful things happening in that city through my work. These elements created the perfect recipe to educate audiences on natural wine, showcase Chris’ story, and ultimately tell a piece of the greater story of the food and beverage landscape in Phoenix, Arizona.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you
to make this film?

This film took about 6 months to complete from when we first decided to tell Chris’ story. The idea has been simmering for a while, but it was about 6 months between pre-production, production, and post-production to
bring it to life.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?

Refreshing, warm.

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

The biggest obstacle for us was finding the right shoot dates. We wanted to be able to cover the story completely, meaning seeing the location full and busy, capturing the setup sequences in addition to the fly-on-the-wall b-roll, and ensuring we had access to everyone connected to the story to
tell it completely. It took a while to get it scheduled and the only dates that worked were actually during the first week of Chris and his team being in their new location. They were incredibly busy, but still so gracious to let our team come in to tell their story. The collaboration between Sauvage and the Odd Galaxy production team was a testament to the shared
goal of bringing this story to the world.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

It’s always a bit nerve-racking showing work. It gets easier for me to open up to feedback with each project, but there is still that sense of ‘did I tell the story for the audience in the way I learned it and experienced it?’ Watching the feedback video was relieving and inspiring to see that the story our team set out to tell was experienced by the audience.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

I watched Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring when I was 7 and it was a wrap after that. Began making films with a home video camera with my older brothers and friends and when it came time to go to college there was no other choice but to continue to pursue filmmaking.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?

All of the Lord of the Rings movies - I was obsessed growing up.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?

I think you all have done a wonderful job. The audience feedback element is fantastic and gives a great inside look at how people are experiencing the films.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?

Film Freeway is great - makes everything incredibly easy.

10. What is your favorite meal?

I love a good steak, but consistently, you can catch me having tacos or pasta.

11. What is next for you? A new film?

We are currently in postproduction on another documentary about a chef who runs a couple of restaurants in Phoenix, AZ. Additionally, we are in pre-production on another documentary in the Uncanny Valley series and are dialing in on who our subject will be - we have a lot of great options, but are looking for the most compelling story.

On the scripted side, we are in development on a pair of feature films and are finishing up a slate of 4 short films we’ve been working on for the last year that we are excited to release to the public soon. Finally, we are fundraising for a scripted short film titled The Bad Guy - this project is special, as it addresses criminal justice in America, focusing on recidivism. It’s an important story that we are excited to get completed as we feel it will help ignite important conversations when the film screens across film festivals.